Chapter Eight: Camping

.

.

.

The sun had set by the time dinner was finished. The Bidoof was delicious; a mixture of berry juices and wild herbs from around the area were mixed into the meat, giving it great flavor. Akari must give kudos to Adaman. He's one hell of a cook. Just as good as Beni, if not better in some respects. Akari couldn't help but ask, "Who taught you how to cook?"

Adaman considers his answer. "I suppose it was everyone around me. Different individuals from around the village taught me various skills regarding cooking but it was my father that started teaching me first. He educated me in the basics of hunting around age six."

"That's to young!" Akari is flabbergasted. Kids that age shouldn't be out learning how to kill things!

Adaman shakes his head, clearly disagreeing. "You're never too young to starve to death." He then pauses, looking up at Akari curiously. "At what age did you learn?"

"I didn't," Akari admits. Adaman is right. Starvation can happen at any age, but she still thinks six is too young.

Adaman is now frowning unhappily. In Hisui, hunting is an essential skill. It's hard to believe that Akari doesn't know how. It's even worse the Galaxy Team has permitted her to run about in the wilds without the skill. "How do you plan to survive on your own?"

"Excuse me." Akari is immediately offended. "I'm not a child."

"The question isn't meant to offend." Adaman expression is one of absolute seriousness. "Now please answer my question."

"I'll bring rations with me." Akari answers like it's obvious. "And I can forage for anything else I need."

"That's not good enough." Adaman's tone is suddenly angry. It's one thing to take rations to fill the belly if a hunt is unsuccessful but to solely depend on them – this will get her killed. "Akari, you must learn how to hunt, and foraging isn't always going to be an option, not to mention, meat will keep your belly full longer."

"The camps," Akari counters. "There's two here in the Obsidian Fieldlands and – "

"Still not good enough," Adaman interjects. "You'll be traveling through various unfamiliar landscapes with just your Pokémon. Like you, they won't know the area. This makes everything more treacherous than it is here. If you find yourself lost, and unable to hunt, I fear you'll become too fatigued to think properly. This could lead to injury, perhaps even death if you're not found in time." The way he spoke suggested that he had seen such a thing before. "If that happened to you I would…" He trails off, his temper cooling slightly as it's replaced by worry.

Akari's own heated frustration wanes. He genuinely cares about her personal safety. It touches something deep within her soul, but the fact remains that she can't learn such a skill overnight. "It takes time to master hunting."

"Indeed, it does." Adaman is still upset but for an entirely different reason this time. He'd wanted to spend his evening getting to know Akari better but now he needs to teach her the basics of hunting. "The best and most practical hunting tool is the sling shot with its artillery being a basic rock." He pulls his personal sling shot from his pocket, showing it to Akari. It's nothing like the modern sling shots she's used too. It's basically a long rope with a thick area to cradle the projectile while it spins at high speeds.

Akari frowns. The slingshot doesn't seem like it's something she can learn very quickly. "I don't think I should learn how to hunt with a sling. I would much rather prefer a bow and arow or something similar."

Adaman shakes his head. "A bow is large and cumbersome, and its ammunition is limited. I'll admit it's great weapon, but it isn't suitable for an expedition."

Akari considers Adaman's explanation. "But wouldn't it be easier to learn how to shoot an arrow than to sling a rock?"

"No," Adaman refutes. "We'll start by teaching you the basics. Then you'll practice with me supervising. I will then correct your form as the lesson progresses." He turns on his heel and walks tom the edge of camp, expecting Akari to follow.

She's still feeling unsure though. "Adaman – "

"No excuses." Adaman will drag her if he must.

Akari feels rather unconfident. However, Adaman isn't taking "no" for an answer. "Okay, you win."

"Very good. Now come join me." Adaman motioned to the space next to him.

Akari wanders to the edge of their campsite. It's darker here but their Pokémon won't be at risk of accidentally getting hit by bad shots. "Okay, what's first?"

Adaman points to the trunk of a tree. "I'm going to show you proper form and throw. I'll aim for the indentation in the bark. Please watch me closely."

"Alright." Akari focuses on Adaman, watching as his feet spread a part slightly for a more balanced stance. He then grabs a rock from the ground, placing it in the sling's cradle before spinning it wildly with his right arm extended away from his body. He then flings his arm in time with the sling's rapid motion, releasing the rock at its fastest. Akari can't even see the projectile until it embeds itself in the trunk of the tree. "That's incredible!"

Adaman turns to look at Akari with a mild look of surprise. He hadn't expected her to praise him. However, it strokes his ego regardless. He wants Akari to be impressed by him. It will help her to see him as more of a man that can provide rather than just a posh clan leader. "It's your turn now." He hands her his sling. "Go ahead and choose your rock. I want to see what you pick."

"Sure." Akari spots a small lumpy rock that's rather round. She picks it up. "How about this?"

Adaman shakes his head. "Unfortunately, you picked the worse possible rock."

Akari looks at it curiously. "I did?"

"Yes." Adaman pulls out a rock from his pocket. Unlike the first he'd found on the ground; this one is left over from his pervious hunt. He hands it to Akari letting her examine it. The rock is about the size of her thumb and shaped like an oval. "This is a perfect example of the type of rock you should use. I make it a habit of looking for them wherever I go."

Akari hands the rock back. "It's not what I expected." The rocks in Hollywood movies have always been round.

Adaman continues, "The size, shape, and texture of the rock is very important. If any of these things are compromised, your throw will alter negatively." He then points at the rock Akari had chosen. "This one is bad because of its ball shape with an overly lumpy texture. These factures will cause more wind resistance than a smooth oval rock would. This will slow your throw down considerably."

Akari nods. "I understand now. Thank you." She drops the bad rock and starts looking for a replacement. It takes her a little while, as this task is harder than expected. She finally finds one, showing it to Adaman.

"That's better," Adaman states. "It's a little small, but that's okay since this is just for target practice."

"How big should it be?" Akari asks.

Adaman answers, "Depends on the target, but generally about the size of the throwers thumb. It can be a little bigger if you're trying to take down something with a thicker skull, like a Bibaril. However, this requires a stronger arm as well."

Akari nods. "Got it."

Adaman scans the ground, quickly locating about twenty different rocks. "These are not perfect and are poor for hunting, but they'll do for target practice." He hands one to Akari. "First, I want you to get into the proper stance I showed you before."

Akari tries to copy what Adaman had done earlier, placing her feet wide apart. She stumbles though, causing Adaman to grab her by the arm to steady her. "Thank you," Akari says rather shyly. She's hyper aware of him now that he's in her personal space, his scent surrounding her. It's almost too much until he pulls away, completely unaware of his effect upon her.

"It's alright." Adaman is already focused on Akari's feet, completely missing her cherry dusted cheeks. "Try again but don't position your feet so wide this time. The key is to find a position that gives you a sturdier hold on the ground."

"Okay." Akari spreads her feet again, paying closer attention to how grounded she feels. "I think this feels good."

Adaman nods in approval, looking back up at Akari's face. He finally takes note that she seems a little flustered, but he doesn't mention it. They're in the middle of a lesson, making this situation inappropriate for such things. "That's good; now bend your right knee a just little. This will help you maintain your balance while also allowing for a little more power in your throw."

Akari beds her knee slightly. "Like this?"

"Yes," Adaman answers. "Now place your rock in the cradle of the sling and extend your arm without spinning it just yet." Akari does as instructed, placing the rock before extending her arm straight out. Adaman adjusts it with firm yet gentle hands. "You need a good bend in the elbow. Now spin it without throwing."

"Like this?" Akari repeats.

Adaman shakes his head. "You should only spin with your wrist and hand, not with your forearm." Akari adjusted her swing as instructed, causing her to be mildly surprised by the sling's increase in speed. Adaman continues his instruction. "The next part is harder. You need to start focusing on where you want to throw and with your entire arm follow the motion of your final spin while releasing the rock at the perfect moment. This last part is all about timing and aiming. If you're off even just a little, you'll miss your mark."

Yeah, that sounds about right. Akari tries not to let this discourage her. She focuses on the tree before her, attempting to copy Adaman's motions. The throw sends the rock right into the ground in front of her. It had snagged on the sling. "Yeah, that was terrible."

Adaman shrugs dismissively. He'd expected it to be. "Indeed, but it's a start." He grabs Akari's hand, examining it. "I think the sling's loop is better positioned on middle finger rather than the ring finger. This lines things up a little better in my opinion."

"Ok, okay." That makes sense. If Akari recalls correctly, bowling is similar. The position of the hand, arm, and middle finger are all important for a beginner until they find their groove. She's betting using a sling to hunt is going to follow the same concept. Akari adjusts the loop before trying again. This rock hits the ground in front of her just like the first. "Darn it." This is going to be a frustrating as hell.

"You're a beginner." Adaman is encouraging. "Right now, I don't want you to focus on the speed of your throw. It's best to swing nice slow until you can sling the rock in a straight line."

"Right." Akari tries again, rolling her wrist rather lazily. She's more aware of the rock's position, releasing it when it feels right. It still hits the ground in front of her but she's able to recognize the moment the rock chaffs the sling. She tries one more time, releasing a little more quickly. The rock now has a more upward angle indicating she'd let go too soon. She tries once more, and, although it's still high, the trajectory is straighter.

Adaman smiles proudly. "Now you're getting it."

Akari returns his smile. "I think I am." She can't help but notice how handsome he is in the firelight. It's a thought she tries to fight. Adaman is a great guy, it's just impractical to allow herself to think this way about him. She wants to go home someday. Besides, she isn't going to get any better with her throws if she's standing there, drooling all over her instructor.

Adaman puts his hands in his pockets. He's an expert at reading body language and Akari's is screaming at him. She's attracted to him. It's a very good thing. However, he doesn't let on that he knows. Instead, instructing her further. "Keep practicing until you can toss in a straight line. We'll conclude your lesson at that point." Although it's not as much as he wanted originally, he'll make sure they spend some special time together tonight.

"Got it." Akari is determined. This is a rather reasonable goal. She places another rock in the sling and tries again. It takes many more attempts to get if right – too many to count – until she's finally successful. "I did it!" she cheers. "I threw it in a straight line.

Adaman is pleased. She's picking up the skill faster than most, himself included. "I saw. You did very well for your first time."

"Thank you!" Akari smiles. She's so happy.

With the lesson complete, Adaman walks back into their littler camp. It's time for some personal time with Akari. "I think this is something to celebrate." He grabs a waterskin that's been stained blue. "I have some wine! A Dimond Clan Specialty!" He's always enjoyed having a drink after a long day. It helps him unwind and sleep better at night.

"Wine?" Akari isn't sure how she feels about that. She's never had alcohol before. "Is that something we should be doing out here all alone?" That modern girl side of her is creeping up again. However, this time, it's probably a good thing. She isn't sure how her system will even handle it.

"I don't see any issue." Adaman pulls the cork, taking a big drink. He can see that she's still rather reserved about this. "You don't have to drink if you don't want to, but I would like you to at least try it. This wine is a specialty of my clan. It's made with fermented Peacha Berries, which makes it more sweet than bitter." He holds out the waterskin for Akari to take. "Go ahead and try some."

Akari supposed a small taste wouldn't hurt. She takes the waterskin, taking a small sip. It reminds her of liquid jolly rancher with a hint of bitterness. "Wow, this is good!" She hands the waterskin back. Perhaps a few swallows won't hurt. It's not like that amount will inebriate her or anything. "I guess I can join you for a little while, just don't expect me to drink a lot."

"I don't mind. It's your company that I prefer." Adaman takes a seat on the large flat rock that is situated near the fire. He pats the space next to him. "Come, sit with me. It will be easier to share that way."

Akari blushes. That's going to put her right next to him. "I can sit on the ground."

Adaman frowns, not liking this. He wants her close. However, he's not going to force her. "If anyone sits on the ground, it will be me." He gets up to do just that.

"No! Please!" Akari isn't going to do that to him. "I'll sit next to you."

Adaman shakes his head. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"No, it's fine." Akari doesn't want to hurt his feelings. She knows sitting next to him will do funny things to her heart, and logically, she shouldn't do this. The reality is that she should be putting distance between them, not making it easier for them to grow closer.

Adaman returns to his seat. Akari slides in next to him, her side pressed snuggly up against his. While the rock is big enough for them to sit together, it's still a tight fit. It makes Akari a little nervous especially when Adaman moves to place his right arm behind her for comfort. He isn't embracing her or anything, but it still feels very intimate.

Adaman, unlike Akari, is rather pleased with the situation. Having her pressed up against him is nice. He takes a small drink before handing the waterskin back to her asking, "What's it like living in Jubilife Village? Are they treating you well?" He knows he's asked something like this before. However, it's just the two of them now. He wonders if that will cause her to change her answer or at least elaborate a little more.

Akari considers her answer as she takes drink. She knows Adaman has a predisposition of dislike towards Galaxy Team. She understands why too. The commander isn't a fan of Pokémon and it's caused him to make some very poor decisions concerning the wild populations. "I like most of the people who live there." It's an honest answer. "I mean, there's some who are suspicious of me, but that's okay." Beni comes to mind. He really doesn't like her, but she doesn't share that.

Adaman snorts. "Those who are suspicious of you are fools."

Akari shrugs. She'd heard the distaste loud and clear. "I don't think they are fools, just scared and as we all know, fear makes people do irrational things."

Adaman studies Akari. He takes note of what she isn't telling him within her midnight blue gaze. "It still hurts you though."

Akari takes another drink before handing the waterskin back to Adaman. "A little bit but it's okay. They just need time to see I'm not the bad guy."

Adaman lets the subject drop due to the bitterness within him. He dislikes Galaxy Team with a passion that can easily consume him. If he isn't careful, it could drive wedge between him and Akari. Unlike him, she's a part of them. He changes the subject's direction. "And your Pokémon?" Adaman inquires. "How do they fair within the village?"

"There's difficulties," Akari admits. She thinks back to various outings she's had. "But it's to be expected though. The people of the village just have this unnatural fear, but Shinx has this magical ability to get past most of it. Growlithe does too but he's often too excitable for certain individuals. He's your typical puppy after all."

Adaman's experience with Growlithe is limited at best but the few he's met have been as Akari described – well, mostly. Akari described her Growlithe as energetic, but he's done nothing but give Adaman the cold shoulder. He's certain it's just the pup's instincts kicking off due to his romantic interest in his trainer. Growlithe are very protective after all. "What about your other Pokémon? Staravia are predators. How's that going?"

"Rough!" Akari sighs. "He wants to hunt so badly but he can't in the village. I try to take him out as much as possible to let him spread his wings but it's difficult with my workload. The Survey Corps always seems to be busy with something. I'm worried that my lifestyle isn't going to be compatible with his instincts."

Adaman considers this. It's good that Akari is aware of her Pokémon's needs. She's just uncertain on how to handle it. Adaman gets it though. There are some Staraptor in the Dimond Clan with similar issues. "Perhaps you should just let him wander off on his own more regularly. I understand his assistance is needed from time to time but he needs his freedom too. Let there be days he can wander off while you're out working. I'm sure he's loyal. If you give him a rendezvous point, he'll meet you there at the appointed time."

"That's a great idea." Akari likes the suggestion a lot. She knows Staravia would do anything she asked. He's a very good Pokémon and if she can help him, she will. "I don't know why I didn't think of it myself."

Adaman finds Akari's happiness beautiful. He would do anything to make sure that smile never left. "You shouldn't let it bother you. I can tell Staravia is happy even if he struggles with his instincts." He lifts his right arm, warping it around Akari's waist. It's a risky maneuver but he couldn't help himself. He wants to hold her if she's willing to let him.

Akari's face turns bright red. This is awfully intimate. She tries to hide her embarrassment by taking a sip of wine. This is when she should be pushing him away. She knows it just like she knows the sky is blue. The problem is that it just feels amazing to have an attractive man holding her this close. It's new and exciting.

Adaman is delighted that she's letting him do this. He'd seen the internal struggle. It's time to distract her from it. "How about your other Pokémon? Sylveon, I heard, is one of your original Pokémon from your home. How is he handling Hisui?"

"He's dealing with it," Akari answers. "He's a homebody that loves all the comforts of the indoors. In fact, I often find myself struggling to get him to be more adventurous. He'd rather laze about all day, napping in the sun if I'd let him. Out of all my Pokémon, he's the most excited when it comes to living in the village. As for Dewott, he's the exact opposite, preferring to work himself on the training grounds until he nearly drops. I often have to rein that in, or he'd probably hurt himself."

"And your Eevee?" Adaman inquires.

"She's like a little princess." Akari smiles, recalling the little fox's fondness for flowers and all things girly. "I get the feeling she wants to evolve into an Espeon or Glaceon, maybe even into a Sylveon, but I'm unsure if she'll allow that since we already have one on the team. It would create conflict. Nevertheless, I told her to do whatever makes her happy. That I would figure out our team situation if she decided to take that form."

Adaman tightens his hold on Akari. He can feel the alcohol taking away some of his inhibitions. This wine is stronger than most, and by the flushed look on Akari's face, it's working on her too. "Akari." His tone is husky. "I really want to kiss you." It's the biggest risk he could take.

It's unexpected but not a surprise. Akari had let him get way too close. This is her fault. However, deep down, she wants to know what it would be like to kiss him. He's such a handsome guy and she really likes him – a lot. "Adaman…" her own tone is rather raspy. This is bad. She can't seem to find her common sense.

Adaman is watching Akari closely. She wants it, he can tell but there's that internal struggle again. He doesn't understand it but leans in to kiss her anyway, certain she'll push him away if this something she doesn't want. Then his lips are pressed gently against hers.

Akari stiffens, her mind racing. Adaman's lips are now caressing her own sweetly. She shouldn't let this happen and yet, instead of pushing him away, she grabs his shirt to pull him closer. Akari knows it's a mistake to do this but the woman within her disagrees.

Adaman, emboldened by her response, nibbles on her bottom lip, causing her to gasp in delight. He takes advantage of it, slipping his tongue into her mouth. The action sends a pleasurable bolt through her. He's an amazing kisser and the way he's now cradling her face tells her he'd likely be an amazing lover as well.

"RUFF!" Growlithe's bark startles them both.

Akari jerks back. The spell over her broken. Now she's blushing brightly as she stands, putting some space between them. She couldn't believe she let him kiss her like that. It's the last thing she should have done. Now she can't claim to be uninterested in him if he wants something more.

Adaman scowls at Growlithe, clearly unhappy at being interrupted. It's not like he had any further plans for Akari tonight but dammit, he wanted to keep kissing her. She's inexperienced, he could tell by the way she moved. This could've even been her first true kiss. He doesn't mind though. There's this odd little part of him that likes the idea of being the only man to have touched her.

As for Growlithe, he's pleased with himself. This human male is getting way to close to his trainer. That's not acceptable in his mind. He starts strutting away, proud of his accomplishment only to run into Sylveon, who's very displeased. Unlike Growlithe, he finds Adaman to be a suitable mate for Akari. He certainly isn't soft or undependable like the modern men he's used to seeing in the future.

Growlithe growls, annoyed. "Ruff!" He totally disagrees.

Sylveon hisses in return. "Syl!" He isn't going to be intimidated. "Syl! Sylvi!" He's trying to explain the loneliness Akari is feeling. Coming to Hisui has been hard on her. Sylveon can feel it through his ribbons constantly. It's best their trainer finds a mate.

"Ruff!" Growlithe doesn't like Adaman. He thinks she can do much better. She deserves an alpha male.

It's at this point that Leafeon puts in his opinion. "Leaf!" He isn't going to sit by and lets this mutt speak badly about his partner. "Leaf! Lea!" Adaman is the leader of the Dimond Clan and that's the definition of an alpha.

The argument is getting heated to the point that Adaman notices it. The rest of Akari's Pokémon are also watching along with Wyrdeer and Rapidash. It wouldn't take much more for this to get ugly. "ENOUGH!" Adaman shouts with authority, causing all the Pokémon to freeze. Now that he has their full attention he states, "I don't know what's going on, but this hostile arguing isn't going to be tolerated."

Growlithe shakes of his initial shock. "RUFF!" He barks. Adaman isn't the boss of him.

Akari places her hands on her hips, giving the impression of an upset mother. "No, Sir, you're not going to disrespect him."

Growlithe flinches. There's no worse punishment for him than to have his trainer upset with him. He lowers his head in shame. "Ruff…" It's an apologetic whimper.

Akari hates getting onto Growlithe. He always acts like his world is ending. "I accept, but you go on to bed now. It's late." She then looks at the rest of her Pokémon. "I suggest you all do the same as well." Her orders are immediately followed, as each Pokémon moved to the respective area they would sleep. She then turns to Adaman. "I'm sorry about that. He's just so overly protective sometimes. It's frustrating and I'm working on it, but it's taking a lot longer than I like."

Adaman shrugs off her concerns. "don't worry about it. As the leader of the Diamond Clan, I'm often finding myself being challenged, by both humans and Pokémon alike. Growlithe's behavior is nothing new to me."

Akari shakes her head. "Used to it or not, Growlithe had no right. I'm sorry." She bows to reinforce her apology.

It's Adaman's turn to shake his head. "Please, don't. I don't need an apology." Akari is so sweet. "Besides, as you stated yourself, it's getting late. I think we should head to bed ourselves." He looks at his bedroll. Leafeon is already snuggled into it, his leaf shaped ears twitching a little as he relaxes.

"Yeah, I guess so," Akari agrees. It's been a long day full of unexpected surprises.

"Goodnight, Akari." Adaman's tone is full of passionate promises as he leans in to kiss her right cheek. "Have pleasant dreams." He then simply walks away, heading to his bedroll as if he hadn't done a thing.

Akari's feels like she has a temperature. That man is going to be the death of her.

Now feeling like an anxious mess, Akari turns to her own bedroll. It's Eevee's turn to sleep with her tonight and the little fox is already snuggled in. Shinx and Sylveon are sleeping together a few feet away. It's always a fight between those three on who gets to be her bed partner for the night. As for Staravia, he's perched in the high branches of a tree while Dewott leans against its trunk. Growlithe, as usual, is stationed at the firepit. Rapidash has joined him, intending to help maintain the fire throughout the night.

Akari pulls back her covers before pulling off her shoes. She then snuggles in the bedroll, finding it both comfortable and warm. Adaman's bedroll isn't too far away from her own. He's removed his shoes and coat, revealing the lean muscles of his shoulders and arms. She finds herself blushing as she rolls over to face the other way, giving him some privacy. The last thing she wants to be is a creeper.

Akari sighs as she shuts her eyes. She can still feel some of the wine from earlier relaxing her body. It helped her to fall asleep and stay asleep even after the first rays of light appeared on the horizon the next morning.

.

.

.

End Chapter Eight: Camping